Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-15-2024

Abstract

Thermal short-circuiting is a potential problem for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). One solution to this problem is to reduce the permeability of very conductive fractures with thermally degradable microcapsules carrying porous polymers that bond to rock, reducing fluid flow without completely sealing the fracture. This concept requires microcapsules to principally travel in the larger, problematic fractures, minimizing entry into smaller fractures; consequently, understanding the transport and blockage of microcapsules is critical. Using a flow visualization configuration, this study involved quantifying the transport and blockage of microcapsules in transparent fracture replicas. Analyses determined most blockage occurred in regions with local apertures 1.25-1.5x the microcapsule size. Results were shown to be repeatable, indicating blockage occurs at nearly the same location for different tests of the same fracture. Gaining knowledge in the transport and blockage of microcapsules in geothermal fractures will advance the potential to modify their permeability and increase efficiency of EGS.

Keywords

Geothermal Energy, Blockage, Transport, Thermal Short-Circuiting, Enhanced Geothermal Systems, Rough-Walled Fractures

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

John Stormont

Second Committee Member

Mahmoud Reda Taha

Third Committee Member

Nick Carroll

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Available for download on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

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